Apparatus, system and process for wastewater purification

ABSTRACT

An apparatus, system, and process for wastewater treatment. The apparatus can include a basin for receiving a liquid to be treated, the liquid having a direction of flow, and a plurality of pendant sheets for supporting the growth of microorganisms, disposed within the basin and in contact with the liquid, wherein the pendant sheets are oriented parallel to the direction of flow of the liquid.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/437,554, filed Apr. 2, 2012, and entitled Apparatus, System andProcess for Wastewater Purification, the entire contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Wastewater treatment systems are commonly used for purification ofwastewater, sewage and the like, and allow for the return of the treatedwastewater to the environment. However, it can be desirable to increasethe efficiency and level of purification while decreasing the usage ofchemical reagents as well as outside energy inputs.

SUMMARY

According to at least one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus forwastewater treatment may be disclosed. The apparatus can include a basinfor receiving a liquid to be treated, the liquid having a direction offlow, and a plurality of pendant sheets for supporting the growth ofmicroorganisms, disposed within the basin and in contact with the liquidwherein the pendant sheets are oriented parallel to the direction offlow of the liquid. The plurality of pendant sheets can further includea radicalized resin fiber network media and a thixed, prepromotedunsaturated wax orthopolyester resin coating.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a system for wastewatertreatment may be disclosed. The system can include at least one rotatingbiological processor and at least one pendant biological processordisposed downstream of the at least one rotating biological processor,wherein the at least one pendant biological processor further includes abasin for receiving wastewater, the wastewater having a direction offlow, and a plurality of pendant sheets for supporting the growth ofmicroorganisms, disposed within the basin and in contact with thewastewater, the pendant sheets being oriented parallel to the directionof flow of the wastewater.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a process for wastewatertreatment may be disclosed. The process can include flowing wastewaterinto a basin, the basin having a plurality of pendant sheets suspendedtherein, flowing the wastewater in a direction parallel to the pluralityof pendant sheets, and flowing the wastewater out of the basin, whereinthe pendant sheets support the growth of microorganisms for treating thewastewater.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent fromthe following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments. Thefollowing detailed description should be considered in conjunction withthe accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 a is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodimentof a rotating biological processor.

FIG. 1 b is a schematic side view of an exemplary embodiment of arotating biological processor.

FIG. 2 a is a schematic side view of an exemplary embodiment of apendant biological processor.

FIG. 2 b is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodimentof a pendant biological processor.

FIG. 3 is a schematic of a first exemplary embodiment of a system forwastewater purification.

FIG. 4 is a schematic of a second exemplary embodiment of a system forwastewater purification.

FIG. 5 is a schematic of a third exemplary embodiment of a system forwastewater purification.

FIG. 6 a is a schematic of a portion of a system for wastewaterpurification with an exemplary embodiment of an ultraviolet disinfectionchannel.

FIG. 6 b is a schematic of an exemplary embodiment of an ultravioletdisinfection channel.

FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of an exemplary embodiment of anintegrated processing unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the invention are disclosed in the following description andrelated drawings directed to specific embodiments of the invention.Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spiritor the scope of the invention. Additionally, well-known elements ofexemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detailor will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of theinvention. Further, to facilitate an understanding of the descriptiondiscussion of several terms used herein follows.

As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example,instance or illustration.” The embodiments described herein are notlimiting, but rather are exemplary only. It should be understood thatthe described embodiment are not necessarily to be construed aspreferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Moreover, the terms“embodiments of the invention”, “embodiments” or “invention” do notrequire that all embodiments of the invention include the discussedfeature, advantage or mode of operation.

Embodiments disclosed herein present an advanced technique fordecomposing sewage and wastewater organic matters and removing suspendedsolids utilizing a synergetic process of microorganisms, a specializedhost medium and supplemental air injection. The embodiments disclosedherein may be adapted for specific applications based on known formulasthat take into account the parameters of the desired application. Suchparameters may include, for example, pumping capacity, tank and basincapacity, loading rates, hydraulic residence time, mean cell residencetime, air volume, overflow rates, and so forth.

Furthermore, the advanced materials and specialized techniques utilizedby the embodiments disclosed herein can provide for higher qualitydischarge effluent, simpler operational aspects and lower operationalcosts. More specifically, the embodiments disclosed herein may utilizevarious species of naturally occurring microorganisms in variouscontrolled growing postures. The embodiments disclosed herein mayincorporate a series type flow configuration whereby the sewage,wastewater or the like may undergo progressive degrees of purificationby adsorption, absorption, and assimilation. This purification andcontamination reduction can be facilitated by maintaining desiredparameters of food to microorganism (F/M) ratio, mixed liquor suspendedsolids (MLSS), dissolved oxygen (DO) levels, and pH levels particularly.

The embodiments disclosed herein can include two interconnectedspecialized process units, each of which may be provided in any desiredquantity for the particular application of the system. The specializedprocess units include a Rotating Biological Processor (RBP) and aBiological Pendant Processor (BPP). The RBP may be utilized as a firststage biological processor tank, while the BPP may be utilized as asecond stage biological treatment tank.

Turning to FIGS. 1 a-1 b, a rotating biological processor 100 mayinclude a rotating biological processor contactor assembly 102. Therotating biological processor contactor assembly 102 can provide a firststage host medium, and include a plurality of media disks 110, which maybe provided in desired types, forms and sizes, and mounted in parallelfashion in a spaced formation along a horizontal rotatable drive shaft112. In some exemplary embodiments, the rotating biological processorcontactor assembly 102 can include any desired amount of disks 110, forexample between about 10 disks and about 30 disks, or any other desirednumber of disks that enables the RBP to function as described herein.Exemplary RBP configurations may include 15, 20, 24, or 30 disks;however, any number of disks may be contemplated and provided asdesired.

The disks 110 may include a radicalized resin fiber network media, whichmay be constructed from a material such as Saran®, manufactured byAsahi-Dow, a polyvinylidene monofilament material, or any similarmaterial that enables the RBP to function as described herein. Theradicalized resin fiber network media may further include a thixed,prepromoted unsaturated wax orthopolyester resin, for example Eterset2597 APTC-M2, or any similar material that enables the RBP to functionas described herein. The resin may be applied to the fiber network mediaby any known manner, for example spray coating. The resin may serve toincrease the homogeneity of the stranded network media, strengthen themechanical resilience of the irregularly entangled radicalized media andfurther provide an added protective layer. In some embodiments, thenetwork media may be cut and tailored into six substantially equallyshaped pieces. The pieces, when fitted to the carrying structureincluded herein, can be shaped as a circular media disk. The coatedresin fiber network media used herein may be about 40-60 mm inthickness, for example about 50 mm, may have a linear mass density ofabout 3500-4500 denier, for example 4000 denier, and may have a voidratio of above approximately 95.0%, for example 97.0% and above.

Furthermore, the resin fiber entangled network media disk can allow thecontaminated effluent containing organic matter, suspended solids, andthe like to easily flow up, down, back and forth through the reticularmesh when the disk is rotating. Along with the wastewater, this canprovide for the introduction of ambient air in, around and throughoutthe entangled stranded media disk, where an evolving thin coat ofmicroorganisms can be sustained on the individual resin strands. Themicroorganisms that are used to seed the media disks can be desirednaturally occurring Bacillus species bacteria, various rotifers,protozoa and metazoa.

The carrying structure of the RBP 100 can include the main carrier shaft112, shaft ends 114, and middle and end support frames 116, 118 coupledto the main carrier shaft 112. The support frames 116, 118 can includemultiple horizontal rod stock 120 having threaded ends for supportingthe circular resin fiber network media disks 110. The carrying structureof the RBP 100 may be constructed of stainless steel materials, or anyother suitable material for the application. The fiber network mediadisks 110 may be separated by attendant hollow end-flanged spacers 122of requisite sizing which can slide onto the support rod stock 120between the media disks 110, the support rod stock 120 being coupled tothe middle and end support frames 116, 118 on the main carrier shaft 112with washers, nuts, or any other suitable coupling. In some exemplaryembodiments, RBP units having less than 20 disks, for example 15 disks,may include two end support frames 118, with media disks 110 mountedbetween the end support frames 118, separated by spacers 122. In otherexemplary embodiments, RBP units having 20 or more disks, for example20, 24, or 30 disks, may include end support frames 118 mounted at theends of the main carrier shaft 112, and may include a center supportframe 116 mounted proximate the center of the main carrier shaft 112.Media disks 110 may be mounted between each end support frame 118 andthe center support frame 116, and may be separated by spacers 122,substantially as shown in FIG. 1 a.

The main carrier shaft 112 and other components of the RBP assembly aremounted in commensurately sized carrier bearings 122, the quantity,sizes, and loading rates of which may be determined for a particularwastewater treatment project via the appropriate calculations. Thecarrier shaft 112 may be provided with a 60% overload safety factor tosupport the media disks 110 and other components. The carrier bearings122 may be provided based on the combined load weight of the carriershaft 112 and the components supported thereon.

The carrier shaft 112 may be coupled to a variable frequency drive motorand may be adapted to operate at any desired rotational speed, forexample within a range of about 1 to 6 rpm, depending on the dissolvedoxygen level, wastewater load rate and other variables of the particularapplication. Carrier shaft 112 may be coupled to motor 124 by an endlessbelt 126, or by any other suitable drive coupling. The tank or basin ofthe RBP 100 may be formed from any suitable materials, and may bedisposed either above ground, partially above ground or in situ. Thetank or basin may function as the containment unit for the sewage orwastewater influent being treated, and may be sized according to theparticular project design calculations.

The RBP 100 may be mounted such that about 40% of the circular shapedresin fiber network media disks are immersed in the wastewater, therebysoaking that portion of the resin fiber network media with raw effluentas it rotates through the unit. This allows for the wastewater to beengaged by the microorganisms which are attached to the resin fibernetwork media, thereby resulting in contaminant reduction andpurification. A water volume adjuster 128 may be provided within RBP 100so as to maintain a desired water level in the tank or basin.

Turning to FIG. 2, the Biological Pendant Processor 200 may bedownstream of the RBP 100 and receive the effluent therefrom. The BPP200 can include a tank or basin constructed of any suitable materials,and may further include a plurality of sheet-like pendants 210. Thequantity, sizes and loading rates of the pendants 210 may be for aparticular wastewater treatment project via the appropriatecalculations, and further in accordance with and incidental to theaccomplished level of treatment in the upstream RBP 100. The sheet-likependants 210 may be arranged and suspended in parallel fashion as wellin a spaced formation. The thinnest dimension of the pendants 210 whensuspended may be oriented such that the flow direction of the effluentis substantially parallel to the planes of pendants 210. The sheet-likependants may be constructed from a material such as Saran®, manufacturedby Asahi-Dow, a polyvinylidene monofilament material, or any similarmaterial that enables the BPP to function as described herein. Theradicalized resin fiber network media may further include a thixed,prepromoted unsaturated wax orthopolyester resin coating, for example,Eterset 2597 APTC-M2, or any similar material that enables the BPP tofunction as described herein. The resin may be applied to the fibernetwork media by any known manner, for example, spray coating. The resinmay serve to increase the homogeneity of the stranded network media,strengthen the mechanical resilience of the irregularly entangledradicalized media and further provide an added protective layer. Thefiber network media may optimally be cut and tailored into singularequally sized pendants adapted for a particular project application.

The sheet-like pendants 210 can allow a substantially unrestricted flowof the treatable influent in, around and through each pendant, in partdue to the void ratio and stranded construction of the resin fibernetwork. The void ratio of the entangled media may be aboveapproximately 95.0%, for example 97.0% and above. Each sheet-likependant may be suspended from a support 212, which may be constructedfrom stainless steel or any other appropriate material, and may beappropriately engineered for the particular project application.

The sheet-like pendants 210 can provide a surface for supporting thegrowth of microorganisms, thereby facilitating the microorganisms todecompose and purify residual contaminants and pollutants contained inthe sewage and wastewater. The microorganisms that are used to seedpendant media 210 may be, for example, desired naturally occurringBacillus species bacteria, various rotifers, protozoa and metazoa. Knownnutrient activators appropriate for the particular treatment applicationmay be utilized to stimulate growth of microorganisms during initialtreatment process startup.

The coated resin fiber network media utilized for the pendants 210 maybe about 20-30 mm in thickness, for example 25 mm. The coated resinfiber network media may further have a linear mass density of about500-1500 denier, for example 900denier, and may be cut to width andlength as appropriate for the particular application. The custom cutpiece of resin fiber network media can then be fitted with end pieces.The end pieces may be formed from a material such as nylon and then cutand seamed down the sides thereof.

The width of the end pieces can be substantially similar to the width ofthe pendant media. Subsequently, the nylon material may be cut intolengths of approximately 10 inches, and folded over each end of thependant media, such that an approximately 2.5-3 inch loop of materialremains beyond the cut end of the pendant media. Subsequently, 2 rows ofdouble nylon stitching, approximately 1 inch apart, may be sewn throughthe end piece and the resin fiber media such that the fiber media issandwiched between the two longitudinal edges of the end piece. The loopof excess material can facilitate hanging the pendant from the support.The pendant media can then be suspended by inserting an appropriatelysized stainless steel length of pipe 214, which may be approximately0.75 inches in diameter, through the end piece loop on the pendant andsubsequently inserting the pipe into the support frame 212.

The support frame 212 can include a plurality of equally spaced notchessized to receive portions of the pipe 214 so as to maintain the pipe 214suspended at a height that facilitates suspending the pendant media 210from the pipe 214. A stainless steel rod 216 having a diameter ofapproximately 1 inch and a length substantially equal to the width ofthe pendant, can then be inserted through the bottom loop on the pendant210. The mass of the rod 216 can be sufficient to provide weight to thesuspended pendant media so as to hold it in a substantially verticalposition while resisting liquid turbulence. Alternatively, any otherstructure or weight for maintaining the pendant media in a substantiallyvertical position may be utilized.

Additionally, the BPP 200 can function as a combination subsequent stagebiological processor and aeration basin. Utilizing the BPP 200 inconjunction with the RBP 100 can result in an improved level of floc andconsequently an improved settleability rate in the sedimentation tank,without the use of any polymer coagulants. Furthermore, the RBP 100 andBPP 200 may be configured to operate in a series configuration, or in aparallel configuration where appropriate. For example in situationswhere kind and degree of contaminants needing treatment becomessubstantially higher, the parallel configuration may be used. Theparallel configuration may be as follows: the influent can be split anddeployed to a plurality of RBPs 100 installed in parallel, with theresidual effluent from those units consolidated and directed to asubsequent RBP unit or set of RBP units for further treatment. Theeffluent from the subsequent unit or units can then be deployed toappropriately sized BPP units 200, which may be installed in parallel,to undergo the additional treatment and purification as described above.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 a-2 b, both the Rotating Biological Processor100 and the Biological Pendant Processor 200 units may include finebubble tubular diffusers 9 disposed therein for inoculating thewastewater with supplemental air. The quantity and size of tubulardiffusers 9 may be determined as a result of the calculations performedfor a particular wastewater treatment project and the extent of aerationneeded therefor. In the RBP 100, the tubular diffusers 9 may be locatedon and parallel to the sidewall of the basin opposite of the location ofwastewater inflow. The tubular diffusers 9 can be orientedperpendicularly to the plurality of media disks. The air bubblediffusers 9 can further be situated such that the mid point of the sideof the arc of the tubular diffuser 9 and the mid point of the side ofthe arc of the circular resin fiber network media are in verticalalignment at those corresponding points, with the highest arc of thediffuser being at least 1.5 feet below the lowest point of the mediaarc. It should be appreciated that the direction of rotation of therotating media should be such that as the fine bubbles rise the mediarotates downward into the bubbles. Such a direction of rotationfacilitates increased mixing and interaction of the contaminants,supplemental air and microorganisms on the host media.

The Dissolved Oxygen (DO) levels in the RBP unit 100 can be maintainedwithin a range of approximately 1-3 mg/l, or within a narrower range ofapproximately 1.5-2 mg/l. It should be appreciated that multiple factorsmay influence the DO level within the RBP unit 100, for example thecontaminant level of the influent being treated, the wastewatertemperature, the ambient air temperature as the resin fiber networkmedia rotates out of the influent, the speed which the media is rotatingand the supplemental air pressure and temperature. It should further beappreciated that such factors may affect the treatment success andprocess monitoring information.

In the BPP 200 unit the tubular diffusers 9 can perform dual functions,specifically aeration and mixing. Since the BPP 200 can lack amechanical stirrer, the introduction of air through the diffusers 9 canfunction as the motivation force to circulate the wastewater. Thetubular diffusers 9 may be positioned such that the longitudinal axesthereof are disposed perpendicular to the planes of the resin fibernetwork media pendants. The diffusers 9 can be mounted between the pointof inflow and the media pendants, or, if multiple parallel supports ofthe media pendants are provided, the diffusers 9 can be mounted betweenthe plurality of supports but not between the furthest supports adjacentto the discharge overflow tube/weir, and the discharge overflowtube/weir itself. The diffusers 9 may be mounted approximately 6-8inches above the bottom of the basin of the BPP 200. In operation, theair exiting diffusers 9 may cause the movement of the wastewater inrandom swirling eddies, thereby continuously mixing and moving thewastewater, while simultaneously introducing new air into the BPP 200and causing the MLSS to make contact with the microorganisms on the hostmedia pendant. The DO levels in the BPP unit 200 can be maintainedwithin a range of approximately 3-5 mg/l, or within a narrower range ofapproximately 4-4.5 mg/l.

Both the Rotating Biological Processor 100 and the Biological PendantProcessor 200 units may further include subsurface air manifolds 10disposed within the RBP and BPP containment basins. Manifolds 10 may besized, constructed and bored according to calculations performed todetermine the needs of the particular sewage, wastewater or the likeproject. Air manifolds 10 may include a plurality of lateral pipes, andeach lateral pipe may include a plurality of orifices spaced along theundersides thereof. The orifices may be sized and shaped to emit coarseair bubbles. The orifices may have a diameter of approximately ⅛ inch.The manifold pipes may be mounted such that the bottoms of the pipes areat most 3 inches above the bottom of the containment basin. Airflow toeach lateral pipe, or a plurality of lateral pipes, may be controlled byat least one valve, for example a ball valve, and may be controlledmanually, electrically or pneumatically, depending on the design of theparticular sewage or wastewater project and the degree of automationdesired.

The subsurface air manifold system 10 in the RBP units 100 and BPP units200 may facilitate creating a disruptive force on the settled solids,thereby promoting the resuspension thereof, and facilitating the settledsolids to re-contact the resin fiber network media. This can beaccomplished by providing pressurized airflow to the lateral pipes atdesired intervals and for desired durations. For example, in the RBPunits 100, airflow may be provided at a bidaily frequency for a durationof approximately one minute. In the BPP units 200, airflow may beprovided at a frequency of approximately once every 4-days, and for aduration of approximately 1-1.5 minutes. The result of such air scouringfunctionality can be a reduction of wasted sludge in the processorunits. Furthermore, the subsurface air manifold system 10 can facilitatecleaning of a processor basin when necessary, for example bysubstantially disturbing the bottom of the containment basin byincreasing the air pressure provided through the manifold 10 andallowing the scouring to proceed during the liquid purging of theprocessor units. The desired volume and pressure of air may bedetermined by the calculations for a particular sewage or wastewatertreatment project, and may be provided by known blowing units.

Referring generally now to FIGS. 3-5, exemplary embodiments of systemsfor sewage and wastewater purification treatments may be disclosed. Theembodiments of systems disclosed herein can include the RBP 100 and BPP200 to provide advantageous treatment of sewage and wastewater, asdescribed above. One exemplary embodiment of the system for sewage andwastewater purification treatment may be configured to accomplishdecomposition and purification of sewage and wastewater to a qualityhigher than commonly rated as secondary level. Other exemplaryembodiments of the system for sewage and wastewater purificationtreatment may be configured to accomplish decomposition and purificationof sewage and wastewater to a quality commonly rated as tertiary levelnon-potable.

Turning to FIG. 3, a first exemplary embodiment of a system for sewageand wastewater purification treatment 300 may be disclosed. System 300can include a general automatic screening device 2 and screeningcompactor 2 a, an equalization basin 3, a flow adjustment tank 6, firststage biological processor tanks, which may be RBP tanks 100 a, 100 b,with rotary media disk assembly 102, at least one second stagebiological processor tank, which may be a BPP tank 200 with stationarypendant media for microbe adherence 210, a sedimentation tank 14, and asludge dewatering device 17.

The general automatic screening device 2 for removing coarsecontaminants can remove suspended solids greater than 5 mm in size fromthe inflowing sewage and wastewater via an inlet pipe 1. Afterscreening, the effluent can move to equalization basin 3, while thecoarse contaminant removed by screening device 2 can be moved to ascreening compactor 2 a, whereby the captured screenings may be washedand compressed. The decant liquid 2 b from screening compactor 2 may bemoved to equalization basin 3 while the compacted screenings 2 c can bedisposed offsite.

The equalization basin 3 is where the influent may be temporarily stagedto allow the varying inflow rates to intermix. Such influent blendingfacilitates increasing the overall wastewater uniformity, quality andtreatment efficiency. Equalization basin 3 can include an airdistribution pipe 4 and an air supply pipe 11 a which may be pressurizedby air supplied by at least one blower 11, via an air pressure regulator11 b disposed inline at each installed air supply pipe 11 a so as toappropriately regulate the necessary air delivery rate. The appropriateairflow rate per minute and per unit volume can be computed for eachspecific treatment application. Injecting air into equalization basin 3can facilitate reducing the likelihood of the stratification ofsuspended solids which may result in surface caking or solidsdeposition, as well as reducing the likelihood of putrefactionoccurring.

A raw water feed pump 5 may be provided to transfer the influent fromequalization tank 3 to flow adjustment tank 6. Flow adjustment tank 6may be provided to distribute the sewage and wastewater such that theinfluent flows uniformly into each RBP tank 100 a, 100 b or similarly toall and any first stage biological processors engaged in the sewage andwastewater treatment process. The appropriate sizes of RBP tanks 100 a,100 b may be determined according to computations from known factors fora specific treatment application. Each RBP tank 100 a, 100 b may includea bottom drain, sludge pump, or access port for cleaning. Each RBP tank100 a, 100 b can further include a rotating biological processorcontactor assembly 102, which can provide a first stage host medium, andcan include a plurality of media disks. In some exemplary embodiments,the rotating biological processor contactor assembly 102 can include anydesired amount of disks, for example between 10 disks and 30 disks,which can provide a surface for supporting the growth of microorganisms,and facilitate the microorganisms to decompose and purify contaminantsand pollutants contained in the sewage and wastewater that inflows fromflow adjustment tank 6. The microorganisms that are used to seed the RBPtank 100 a, 100 b and more specifically the rotating biologicalprocessor contactor assembly 102 can be desired naturally occurringBacillus species bacteria, various rotifers, protozoa and metazoa. Knownnutrient activators appropriate for the particular treatment applicationmay be utilized to stimulate growth of microorganisms during initialtreatment process startup.

The RBP tanks 100 a, 100 b may include fine air bubble tubular diffusers9 and subsurface air manifold pipes 10. The air devices 9, 10 may besupplied with air generated by at least one blower 11 and may be sizedaccording to computations for a specific treatment application.

The air supplied by at least one blower 11 to fine air bubble tubulardiffusers 9 via air regulator 1 lb and air pipe 11 a in the RBP tanks100 a, 100 b may have dual functionality. First, the air supplied viadiffusers 9 can provide a supplemental air supply to facilitatemaintaining appropriate dissolved oxygen levels in RBP tanks 100 a, 100b. Furthermore, the air supplied via diffusers 9 can facilitatedislodging and sloughing off excess or old biomass from the biofilmlayer on rotating biological processor contactor assembly 102.

Likewise, the air supplied by at least one blower 11 to subsurface airmanifold 10 in the RBP tanks 100 a, 100 b may have dual functionality.First, the air supplied via manifold 10 may facilitate scouring thebottom of the tank. The scouring functionality may be initiated for adesired period of time and at a desired interval, for example, on abidaily basis to facilitate resuspension of settled solids. Second, theair supplied via manifold 10 can reduce the likelihood of solidsaccumulating and decaying, thereby reducing the likelihood ofobjectionable odors. Both air systems 9, 10 may additionally contributeto maintaining and cleaning passageways in the radicalized resin fibermedia and reducing the likelihood of weight overload on the shaft ofrotating biological processor contactor assembly 102.

At least one BPP tank 200 and any other second stage biologicalprocessors engaged in sewage and wastewater treatment for a specificapplication, may be downstream of and may receive the outflow from RBPtanks 100 a, 100 b. BPP tank 200 may include a drain or waste sludgepump for cleaning purposes. BPP tank 200 can further include a pluralityof pendant media sheets 210. The appropriate size and quantity of thependant media sheets 210 may be determined according to computationsfrom known factors for a specific treatment application. Pendant mediasheets 210 can facilitate the second stage biological process and canprovide a surface for supporting the growth of microorganisms, therebyfacilitating the microorganisms to decompose and purify residualcontaminants and pollutants contained in the sewage and wastewater. Thesewage and wastewater is thus purified while in tank 200.

The microorganisms that are used to seed BPP 200 and, more specifically,pendant media 210 may be, for example, desired naturally occurringBacillus species bacteria, various rotifers, protozoa and metazoa. Knownnutrient activators appropriate for the particular treatment applicationmay be utilized to stimulate growth of microorganisms during initialtreatment process startup.

The BPP 200 may be constructed with both tubular fine air bubblediffusers 9 and subsurface air manifold pipes 10. These air devices maybe supplied with air generated by at least one blower 11 and may besized according to computations for a specific treatment application.

The air supplied by at least one blower 11 to tubular fine bubble airdiffusers 9 via air pipe 11 a and inline air regulator 11 b may havemultiple functionality. First, the air may provide two equal andsimultaneous functions, those being to inoculate the wastewater withoxygen and to mobilize the mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) in theBPP tank 200. The rate of air supplied to the fine bubble tubulardiffusers 9 can be provided so as to maintain the appropriate dissolvedoxygen level in the wastewater in the BPP tank 200. As the fine airbubbles rise from tubular fine air diffusers 9, the wastewater cancirculate with turbulent flow, causing the MLSS to mix and chumthroughout BPP tank 200 and further causing the sewage and wastewater tocome in contact with the microorganisms on pendant media sheets 210.This contact can allow further effluent purification to occur.

The air supplied by at least one blower 11 through air pipe 11 a tosubsurface air manifold 10 in the BPP tanks 200 may also have dualfunctionality. First, the air supplied via manifold 10 may facilitatescouring the bottom of the tank. The scouring functionality may beinitiated for a desired period of time and at a desired interval, forexample, on a four-day interval basis to facilitate resuspension ofsettled solids. Second, the air supplied via manifold 10 can reduce thelikelihood of solids accumulating and decaying, thereby reducing thelikelihood of objectionable odors. Both air systems 9, 10, mayadditionally contribute to ongoing sloughing of excess biofilm frompendant media sheets 210 during the treatment process.

At least one sedimentation tank 14 can facilitate separation of thetreated MLSS outflowing from BPP tank 200. The appropriate size for thesedimentation tank 14 can be determined according to computations fromknown factors for a specific treatment application. The majority ofsolids inflowing into sedimentation tank 14 can settle to the bottom andmay be mechanically directed to a sludge pit or trough. The supernatantliquid can overflow a notched weir and can be directed to the outflowtrough for discharge 14 a or further treatment, depending on thespecific treatment application needs. A portion of the precipitatedsludge 14 b from sedimentation tank 14 may be pumped out via a returnsludge pump 15 and pipe 15 a as return activated sludge. The appropriatepumping interval and duration of pumping may be determined according tocomputations from known factors for a specific treatment application.The return pumping of the precipitated sludge can facilitate resupplyingmicroorganisms to flow adjustment tank 6 for further dispersal of themicroorganisms in and through first stage biological processor tanks 100a, 100 b and second stage biological processor tank 200. An excesssludge pump 16 may be employed to pump excess precipitated sludge fromsedimentation tank 14 and to move the excess sludge to a dewateringdevice 17. The type of dewatering device may be determined according tothe specific treatment application. The sludge cake 17 b from dewateringdevice 17 may be disposed offsite, while the decant 17 a may be returnedto flow adjustment tank 6.

Turning to FIG. 4, a second exemplary embodiment of a system for sewageand wastewater purification treatment 400 may be disclosed. System 400can include a general automatic screening device 2 and screeningcompactor 2 a, an equalization basin 3, a flow adjustment tank 6, firststage biological processor tanks, which may be RBP tanks 100 a, 100 b,with rotary media disk assembly 102, at least one second stagebiological processor tank, which may be a BPP tank 200, with stationarypendant media for microbe adherence 210, a sedimentation tank 14, asludge dewatering device 17, a supernatant filtering device 18, a flowmeter device 19, and ultraviolet (UV) disinfection components 20.

The general automatic screening device 2 for removing coarsecontaminants can remove suspended solids greater than 5 mm in size fromthe inflowing sewage and wastewater via an inlet pipe 1. Afterscreening, the effluent can move to equalization basin 3, while thecoarse contaminant removed by screening device 2 can be moved to ascreening compactor 2 a, whereby the captured screenings may be washedand compressed. The decant liquid 2 b from screening compactor 2 may bemoved to equalization basin 3 while the compacted screenings 2 c can bedisposed offsite.

The equalization basin 3 is where the influent may be temporarily stagedto allow the varying inflow rates to intermix. Such influent blendingfacilitates increasing the overall wastewater uniformity, quality andtreatment efficiency. Equalization basin 3 can include an airdistribution pipe 4 and an air supply pipe 11 a which may be pressurizedby air supplied by at least one blower 11, via an air pressure regulator11 b disposed inline at each installed air supply pipe 11 a so as toappropriately regulate the necessary air delivery rate. The appropriateairflow rate per minute and per unit volume can be computed for eachspecific treatment application. Injecting air into equalization basin 3can facilitate reducing the likelihood of the stratification ofsuspended solids which may result in surface caking or solidsdeposition, as well as reducing the likelihood of putrefactionoccurring.

A raw water feed pump 5 may be provided to transfer the influent fromequalization tank 3 to flow adjustment tank 6. Flow adjustment tank 6may be provided to distribute the sewage and wastewater such that theinfluent flows uniformly into each RBP tank 100 a, 100 b or similarly toall and any first stage biological processors engaged in the sewage andwastewater treatment process. The appropriate sizes of RBP tanks 100 a,100 b may be determined according to computations from known factors fora specific treatment application. Each RBP tank 100 a, 100 b may includea bottom drain, sludge pump, or access port for cleaning. Each RBP tank100 a, 100 b can further include a rotating biological processorcontactor assembly 102. The rotating biological processor contactorassembly 102 can provide a first stage host medium, and can thereforeinclude a plurality of media disks. In some exemplary embodiments, therotating biological processor contactor assembly 102 can include anydesired amount of disks, for example between 10 disks and 30 disks,which can provide a surface for supporting the growth of microorganisms,and facilitate the microorganisms to decompose and purify contaminantsand pollutants contained in the sewage and wastewater that inflows fromflow adjustment tank 6. The microorganisms that are used to seed the RBPtank 100 a, 100 b and more specifically the rotating biologicalprocessor contactor assembly 102 can be, for example, desired naturallyoccurring Bacillus species bacteria, various rotifers, protozoa andmetazoa. Known nutrient activators appropriate for the particulartreatment application may be utilized to stimulate growth ofmicroorganisms during initial treatment process startup.

The RBP tanks 100 a, 100 b may include fine air bubble tubular diffusers9 and subsurface air manifold pipes 10. The air devices 9, 10 may besupplied with air generated by at least one blower 11 and may be sizedaccording to computations for a specific treatment application.

The air supplied by at least one blower 11 to fine air bubble tubulardiffusers 9 via air regulator 11 b and air pipe 11 a in the RBP tanks100 a, 100 b may have dual functionality. First, the air supplied viadiffusers 9 can provide a supplemental air supply to facilitatemaintaining appropriate dissolved oxygen levels in process tanks 100 a,100 b. Furthermore, the air supplied via diffusers 9 can facilitatedislodging and sloughing off excess or old biomass from the biofilmlayer on rotating biological processor contactor assembly 102.

Likewise, the air supplied by at least one blower 11 to subsurface airmanifold 10 in the RBP tanks 100 a, 100 b may have dual functionality.First, the air supplied via manifold 10 may facilitate scouring thebottom of the tank. The scouring functionality may be initiated for adesired period of time and at a desired interval, for example, on abidaily basis to facilitate resuspension of settled solids. Second, theair supplied via manifold 10 can reduce the likelihood of solidsaccumulating and decaying, thereby reducing the likelihood ofobjectionable odors. Both air systems 9, 10 may additionally contributeto maintaining and cleaning passageways in the radicalized resin fibermedia and reducing the likelihood of weight overload on the shaft ofrotating biological processor contactor assembly 102.

At least one BPP tank 200 and any other second stage biologicalprocessors engaged in sewage and wastewater treatment for a specificapplication, may be downstream of and may receive the outflow from RBPtanks 100 a, 100 b.

The at least one BPP tank 200 may include a drain or waste sludge pumpfor cleaning purposes. The BPP tank 200 can further include a pluralityof pendant media sheets 210. The appropriate size and quantity of thependant media sheets 210 may be determined according to computationsfrom known factors for a specific treatment application. Pendant mediasheets 210 can facilitate the second stage biological process and canprovide a surface for supporting the growth of microorganisms, therebyfacilitating the microorganisms to decompose and purify residualcontaminants and pollutants contained in the sewage and wastewater. Thesewage and wastewater is thus purified while in tank 200.

The microorganisms that are used to seed BPP 200 and more specificallypendant media 210 may be, for example, desired naturally occurringBacillus species bacteria, various rotifers, protozoa and metazoa. Knownnutrient activators appropriate for the particular treatment applicationmay be utilized to stimulate growth of microorganisms during initialtreatment process startup.

The at least one BPP tank 200 may be constructed with both tubular fineair bubble diffusers 9 and subsurface air manifold pipes 10. These airdevices may be supplied with air generated by at least one blower 11 andmay be sized according to computations for a specific treatmentapplication.

The air supplied by at least one blower 11 to tubular fine bubble airdiffusers 9 via air pipe 11 a and inline air regulator 11 b may havemultiple functionality. First, the air may provide two equal andsimultaneous functions, those being to inoculate the wastewater withoxygen and to mobilize the MLSS in the biological processor tank 200.The rate of air supplied to the fine bubble tubular diffusers 9 can beprovided so as to maintain the appropriate dissolved oxygen level in thewastewater in the processor tank 200. As the fine air bubbles rise fromtubular fine air diffusers 9, the wastewater can circulate withturbulent flow, causing the MLSS to mix and churn throughout the BPPtank 200 and further causing the sewage and wastewater to come incontact with the microorganisms on pendant media sheets 210. Thiscontact can allow further effluent purification to occur.

The air supplied by at least one blower 11 through air pipe 11 a tobottom air manifold 10 in the BPP tanks 200 may also have dualfunctionality. First, the air supplied via manifold 10 may facilitatescouring the bottom of the tank. The scouring functionality may beinitiated for a desired period of time and at a desired interval, forexample, on a four-day interval basis to facilitate resuspension ofsettled solids. Second, the air supplied via manifold 10 can reduce thelikelihood of solids accumulating and decaying, thereby reducing thelikelihood of objectionable odors. Both air systems 9, 10, mayadditionally contribute to ongoing sloughing of excess biofilm frompendant media sheets 210 during the treatment process.

At least one sedimentation tank 14 can facilitate separation of thetreated MLSS outflowing from BPP tank 200. The appropriate size for thesedimentation tank 14 can be determined according to computations fromknown factors for a specific treatment application. If desired for aspecific treatment application, further purification of treated sewageand wastewater out flowing from sedimentation tank 14 can be achieved bya filtration device 18. The appropriate type, kind and capability offiltration device 18 may be determined by computation for a specifictreatment application, and filtration device 18 may be a filteringdevice known in the art.

Filtration device 18, disposed between sedimentation tank 14 and UVdisinfection units 20 can facilitate removing any residual very finesuspended solids so as to achieve a supernatant reading of approximatelytwo nephelometric turbidity units (NTU). Filtered solids 18 a removed byfiltration device 18 can then be moved to dewatering device 17, whilethe supernatant filtrate 18 b may be moved to flow meter 19 andsubsequently to UV light units 20 for disinfection.

UV light units 20 may be configured such that the supernatant filtrate18 b inflows to a series of at least two UV light units, whereinsupernatant filtrate 18 b may be disinfected. Disinfection ofsupernatant filtrate 18 b by the UV light units can involve theelimination of any living organism in the supernatant filtrate.Redundant UV light units 20 may be provided so as to accommodateservicing and lamp replacement without sacrificing treatment anddisinfection efficacy, as well as to satisfy regulatory standards forprocess redundancy, performance consistency, and capability. To thisend, a plurality of parallel pathways 21 a, 21 b for supernatantfiltrate flow may be provided. The parallel pathways 21 a, 21 b may beoperated one at a time. Thus, the supernatant filtrate flow may bedirected, for example by a valve, through pathway 21 a or throughpathway 21 b. This can allow the inactive pathway to be appropriatelycleaned and any necessary components replaced. Furthermore, anadditional UV light unit 20 may be provided downstream of both pathway21 a and 21 b.

In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6 a, a single UV lightdisinfection channel 22 may be provided in lieu of light units 20 andchannels 21 a, 21 b. In the single channel 22, as shown in FIG. 6 b,multiple independent banks 23 of removable UV lights can be disposed,with the design and specifications of the lights being determined bycalculations known in the art. Each light bank 23 may be operatedindependently of the other light banks 23. Furthermore, only a singlelight bank 23 may be deactivated at a time, thereby providing a quantityof operating lamps to meet the above-described standards.

In regards to precipitated sludge 14 b from sedimentation tank 14, aportion thereof may be pumped via a return sludge pump 15 and pipe 15 aas return activated sludge. The appropriate pumping interval andduration of pumping may be determined according to computations fromknown factors for a specific treatment application. The return pumpingof the precipitated sludge can facilitate resupplying microorganisms toflow adjustment tank 6 for further dispersal of the microorganisms inand through RBP tanks 100 a, 100 b and BPP tank 200. An excess sludgepump 16 may be employed to pump excess precipitated sludge fromsedimentation tank 14 and to move the excess sludge to a dewateringdevice 17. The type of dewatering device may be determined according tothe specific treatment application. The sludge cake 17 b from dewateringdevice 17 may be disposed offsite, while the decant 17 a may be returnedto flow adjustment tank 6. If required, the UV treated effluent 30 outflowing from UV light units 20 may be discharged to a discharge holdingtank for temporary storage for regulatory purposes prior to finaldischarge.

Turning to FIG. 5, a third exemplary embodiment of a system for sewageand wastewater purification treatment 500 may be disclosed. System 500may be adapted for decomposing and purifying high strength (biochemicaloxygen demand of 2,500-10,000 mg/l) sewage and wastewater. System 500may include a general automatic screening device 2 and screeningcompactor 2 a, an equalization basin 3, a flow adjustment tank 6, afirst set of first stage biological processor tanks, which may be RBPtanks 100 a, 100 b, 100 c, with rotary media disk assembly 102, at leastone second set of first stage biological processor tanks, which may beRBP tanks 100 d, 100 e, with rotary media disk assembly 102, at leastone second stage biological processor tank, which may be a BPP tank 200,with stationary pendant media for microbe adherence 210, a sedimentationtank 14, a sludge dewatering device 17, a supernatant filtering device18, a flow meter device 19, and UV disinfection components 20.

The general automatic screening device 2 for removing coarsecontaminants can remove suspended solids greater than 5 mm in size fromthe inflowing sewage and wastewater via an inlet pipe 1. Afterscreening, the effluent can move to equalization basin 3, while thecoarse contaminant removed by screening device 2 can be moved to ascreening compactor 2 a, whereby the captured screenings may be washedand compressed. The decant liquid 2 b from screening compactor 2 may bemoved to equalization basin 3 while the compacted screenings 2 c can bedisposed offsite.

The equalization basin 3 is where the influent may be temporarily stagedto allow the varying inflow rates to intermix. Such influent blendingfacilitates increasing the overall wastewater uniformity, quality andtreatment efficiency. Equalization basin 3 can include an airdistribution pipe 4 and an air supply pipe 11 a which may be pressurizedby air supplied by at least one blower 11, via an air pressure regulator11 b disposed inline at each installed air supply pipe 11 a so as toappropriately regulate the necessary air delivery rate. The appropriateairflow rate per minute and per unit volume can be computed for eachspecific treatment application. Injecting air into equalization basin 3can facilitate reducing the likelihood of the stratification ofsuspended solids which may result in surface caking or solidsdeposition, as well as reducing the likelihood of putrefactionoccurring.

A raw water feed pump 5 may be provided to transfer the influent fromequalization tank 3 to flow adjustment tank 6. Flow adjustment tank 6may be provided to distribute the sewage and wastewater such that theinfluent flows uniformly into each RBP tank 100 a, 100 b or similarly toall and any first stage biological processors engaged in the sewage andwastewater treatment process. The flow to the at least one second set ofRBP tanks 100 d, 100 e may be the combined outflows of tanks 100 a, 100b, 100 c, which can then be equally divided between tanks 100 d, 100 e,and any further tanks. The appropriate sizes of RBP tanks 100 a, 100 b,100 c, 100 d, 100 e may be determined according to computations fromknown factors for a specific treatment application. Each tank mayinclude a bottom drain, sludge pump, or access port for cleaning. EachRBP tank 100 a, 100 b 100 c, 100 d, 100 e can further include a rotatingbiological processor contactor assembly 102. The rotating biologicalprocessor contactor 102 can provide a first stage host medium, and cantherefore include a plurality of media disks. In some exemplaryembodiments, the rotating biological processor contactor assembly 102can include any desired amount of disks, for example between 10 disksand 30 disks, which can provide a surface for supporting the growth ofmicroorganisms, and facilitate the microorganisms to decompose andpurify contaminants and pollutants contained in the sewage andwastewater, further purifying it in the RBP tanks 100 d, 100 e. Themicroorganisms that are used to seed the RBP tanks 100 a, 100 b, 100 c,100 d, 100 e and more specifically the rotating biological processorcontactor assembly 102 can be, for example, desired naturally occurringBacillus species bacteria, various rotifers, protozoa and metazoa. Knownnutrient activators appropriate for the particular treatment applicationmay be utilized to stimulate growth of microorganisms during initialtreatment process startup.

The RBP tanks 100 a, 100 b, 100 c, 100 d, 100 e may include fine airbubble tubular diffusers 9 and bottom air manifold pipes 10. The airdevices 9, 10 may be supplied with air generated by at least one blower11 and may be sized according to computations for a specific treatmentapplication.

The air supplied by at least one blower 11 to fine air bubble tubulardiffusers 9 via air regulator 11 b and air pipe 11 a in the RBP tanks100 a, 100 b, 100 c, 100 d, 100 e may have dual functionality. First,the air supplied via diffusers 9 can provide a supplemental air supplyto facilitate maintaining appropriate dissolved oxygen levels in RBPtanks 100 a, 100 b, 100 c, 100 d, 100 e. Furthermore, the air suppliedvia diffusers 9 can facilitate dislodging and sloughing off excess orold biomass from the biofilm layer on rotating biological processorcontactor assembly 102.

Likewise, the air supplied by at least one blower 11 to subsurface airmanifold 10 in the RBP tanks 100 a, 100 b, 100 c, 100 d, 100 e may havedual functionality. First, the air supplied via manifold 10 mayfacilitate scouring the bottom of the tank. The scouring functionalitymay be initiated for a desired period of time and at a desired interval,for example, on a bidaily basis to facilitate resuspension of settledsolids. Second, the air supplied via manifold 10 can reduce thelikelihood of solids accumulating and decaying, thereby reducing thelikelihood of objectionable odors. Both air systems 9, 10 mayadditionally contribute to maintaining and cleaning passageways in theradicalized resin fiber media and reducing the likelihood of weightoverload on the shaft of rotating biological processor contactorassembly 102.

At least one BPP tank 200 and any other second stage biologicalprocessors engaged in sewage and wastewater treatment for a specificapplication, may be downstream of and may receive the outflow from theat least one second set of RBP tanks 100 d, 100 e, which in turnreceives their treated effluent from first set of RBP tanks 100 a, 100b, 100 c.

The at least one BPP tank 200 may include a drain or waste sludge pumpfor cleaning purposes. BPP tank 200 can further include a plurality ofpendant media sheets 210. The appropriate size and quantity of thependant media sheets 210 may be determined according to computationsfrom known factors for a specific treatment application. Pendant mediasheets 210 can facilitate the second stage biological process and canprovide a surface for supporting the growth of microorganisms, therebyfacilitating the microorganisms to decompose and purify residualcontaminants and pollutants contained in the sewage and wastewater. Thesewage and wastewater is thus purified while in BPP tank 200.

The microorganisms that are used to seed BPP tank 200 and morespecifically pendant media 210 may be, for example, desired naturallyoccurring Bacillusspecies bacteria, various rotifers, protozoa andmetazoa. Known nutrient activators appropriate for the particulartreatment application may be utilized to stimulate growth ofmicroorganisms during initial treatment process startup.

The at least one BPP tank 200 may be constructed with both tubular fineair bubble diffusers 9 and subsurface air manifold pipes 10. These airdevices may be supplied with air generated by at least one blower 11 andmay be sized according to computations for a specific treatmentapplication.

The air supplied by at least one blower 11 to tubular fine bubble airdiffusers 9 via air pipe 11 a and inline air regulator l lb may havemultiple functionality. First, the air may provide two equal andsimultaneous functions, those being to inoculate the wastewater withoxygen and to mobilize the MLSS in the BPP tank 200. The rate of airsupplied to the fine bubble tubular diffusers 9 can be provided so as tomaintain the appropriate dissolved oxygen level in the wastewater in theBPP tank 200. As the fine air bubbles rise from tubular fine airdiffusers 9, the wastewater can circulate with turbulent flow, causingthe MLSS to mix and churn throughout the BPP tank 200 and furthercausing the sewage and wastewater to come in contact with themicroorganisms on pendant media sheets 210. This contact can allowfurther effluent purification to occur.

The air supplied by at least one blower 11 through air pipe 11 a tosubsurface air manifold 10 in the BPP tanks 200 may also have dualfunctionality First, the air supplied via manifold 10 may facilitatescouring the bottom of the tank. The scouring functionality may beinitiated for a desired period of time and at a desired interval, forexample, on a four-day interval basis to facilitate resuspension ofsettled solids. Second, the air supplied via manifold 10 can reduce thelikelihood of solids accumulating and decaying, thereby reducing thelikelihood of objectionable odors. Both air systems 9, 10, mayadditionally contribute to ongoing sloughing of excess biofilm frompendant media sheets 210 during the treatment process.

At least one sedimentation tank 14 can facilitate separation of thetreated MLSS outflowing from BPP tank 200. The appropriate size for thesedimentation tank 14 can be determined according to computations fromknown factors for a specific treatment application. If desired for aspecific treatment application, further purification of treated sewageand wastewater out flowing from sedimentation tank 14 can be achieved bya filtration device 18. The appropriate type, kind and capability offiltration device 18 may be determined by computation for a specifictreatment application, and filtration device 18 may be a filteringdevice known in the art.

Filtration device 18, disposed between sedimentation tank 14 and UVdisinfection units 20, can facilitate removing any residual very finesuspended solids so as to achieve a supernatant reading of approximatelytwo nephelometric turbidity units (NTU). Filtered solids 18 a removed byfiltration device 18 can then be moved to dewatering device 17, whilethe supernatant filtrate 18 b may be moved to flow meter 19 andsubsequently to UV light units 20 for disinfection.

UV light units 20 may be configured such that the supernatant filtrate18 b inflows to a series of at least two UV light units, whereinsupernatant filtrate 18 b may be disinfected. Disinfection ofsupernatant filtrate 18 b by the UV light units can involve theelimination of any living organism in the supernatant filtrate.Redundant UV light units 20 may be provided so as to accommodateservicing and lamp replacement without sacrificing treatment anddisinfection efficacy, as well as to satisfy regulatory standards forprocess redundancy, performance consistency, and capability. To thisend, a plurality of parallel pathways 21 a, 21 b for supernatantfiltrate flow may be provided. The parallel pathways 21 a, 21 b may beoperated one at a time. Thus, the supernatant filtrate flow may bedirected, for example by a valve, through pathway 21 a or throughpathway 21 b. This can allow the inactive pathway to be appropriatelycleaned and any necessary components replaced. Furthermore, anadditional UV light unit 20 may be provided downstream of both pathway21 a and 21 b.

In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6 a, a single UV lightdisinfection channel 22 may be provided in lieu of UV light units 20 andchannels 21 a, 21 b. In the single channel 22, as shown in FIG. 6 b,multiple independent banks 23 of removable UV lights can be disposed,with the design and specifications of the lights being determined bycalculations known in the art. Each light bank 23 may be operatedindependently of the other light banks 23. Furthermore, only a singlelight bank 23 may be deactivated at a time, thereby providing a quantityof operating lamps to meet the above-described standards.

In regards to precipitated sludge 14 b from sedimentation tank 14, aportion thereof may be pumped via a return sludge pump 15 and pipe 15 aas return activated sludge. The appropriate pumping interval andduration of pumping may be determined according to computations fromknown factors for a specific treatment application. The return pumpingof the precipitated sludge can facilitate resupplying microorganisms toflow adjustment tank 6 for further dispersal of the microorganisms inand through RBP tanks 100 a, 100 b and BPP tank 200. An excess sludgepump 16 may be employed to pump excess precipitated sludge fromsedimentation tank 14 and to move the excess sludge to a dewateringdevice 17. The type of dewatering device may be determined according tothe specific treatment application. The sludge cake 17 b from dewateringdevice 17 may be disposed offsite, while the decant 17 a may be returnedto flow adjustment tank 6. If required, the UV treated effluent 30 outflowing from UV light units 20 may be discharged to a discharge holdingtank for temporary storage for regulatory purposes prior to finaldischarge.

If necessary, while employing any of the embodiments of system 300, 400,500, any known intermediate filtration methods may be employed betweenthe general automatic screening device and the flow adjustment tank tofurther remove fine suspended solids of >5mm. Such filtration devicescan facilitate removing additional fine suspended solids and can provideincreased treatment efficiency and higher quality.

Furthermore, embodiments disclosed herein can facilitate a substantialreduction or offset of energy usage between the various treatment modes,which are the RBP 100, BPP 200 and sedimentation tank 14. Once theinfluent has been pumped to the RBP 100, the treated effluent can thenflow by gravity to the BPP 200, and can subsequently flow by gravity tothe sedimentation tank 14. The elimination of pumping requirementsbetween various stages of treatment can reduce power consumption as wellas initial capital and ongoing operational cost.

In some exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7, the RBP 100, BPP 200,and sedimentation tank 14 may be provided as an integrated processingunit 700. Integrated processing unit 700 may be used with any of theembodiments of system 300, 400, 500, and can facilitate providingcompact integrated treatment solutions according to the embodimentsdescribed herein.

The foregoing description and accompanying figures illustrate theprinciples, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of theinvention. However, the invention should not be construed as beinglimited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additionalvariations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art.

Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be regarded asillustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should beappreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by thoseskilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention asdefined by the following claims.

1. An apparatus for wastewater treatment, comprising: a containmentbasin for receiving a liquid to be treated, the liquid having adirection of flow; a plurality of pendant sheets for supporting thegrowth of microorganisms, disposed within the basin and in contact withthe liquid; and at least one fine bubble diffuser disposed within thebasin and oriented perpendicularly to the pendant sheets; wherein thependant sheets are oriented parallel to the direction of flow of theliquid.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality ofpendant sheets further comprises: a radicalized resin fiber networkmedia; and a thixed, prepromoted unsaturated wax orthopolyester resin.3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of pendantsheets has a thickness of about 25 millimeters.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein each of the plurality of pendant sheets is suspendedwithin the basin in a vertical orientation.
 5. (canceled)
 6. Theapparatus of claim
 1. wherein the liquid is effluent from a rotatingbiological processor.
 7. A system for wastewater treatment, comprising:at least one rotating biological processor; and at least one pendantbiological processor disposed downstream of the at least one rotatingbiological processor; wherein the at least one pendant biologicalprocessor further comprises a containment basin for receivingwastewater, the wastewater having a direction of flow; a plurality ofpendant sheets for supporting the growth of microorganisms, disposedwithin the basin and in contact with the wastewater, the pendant sheetsbeing oriented parallel to the direction of flow of the wastewater; andat least one fine bubble diffuser disposed within the basin and orientedperpendicularly to the pendant sheets.
 8. The system of claim 7, whereineach of the plurality of pendant sheets comprises: a radicalized resinfiber network media; and a thixed, prepromoted unsaturated waxorthopolyester resin.
 9. (canceled)
 10. The system of claim 7, whereinthe at least one rotating biological processor includes a plurality ofmedia disks, each of the plurality of media disks comprising aradicalized resin fiber network media and a thixed, prepromotedunsaturated wax orthopolyester resin.
 11. The system of claim 7, furthercomprising at least two rotating biological processors arranged inparallel.
 12. The system of claim 7, further comprising at least tworotating biological processors arranged in series.
 13. The system ofclaim 7, further comprising at least one ultraviolet disinfection unitdisposed downstream of the at least one pendant biological processor.14. The system of claim 7, wherein the wastewater flows from therotating biological processor to the pendant biological processor due togravity.
 15. A process for wastewater treatment, comprising: flowingwastewater into a containment basin, the basin having a plurality ofpendant sheets suspended therein; flowing the wastewater in a directionparallel to the plurality of pendant sheets; activating, atpredetermined intervals, a fine bubble diffuser disposed within thebasin; and flowing the wastewater out of the basin; wherein the pendantsheets support the growth of microorganisms for treating the wastewater;and the at least one fine bubble diffuser is oriented perpendicularly tothe pendant sheets.
 16. The process of claim 15, further comprising:flowing the wastewater into the basin from at least one rotatingbiological processor.
 17. (canceled)
 18. The process of claim 15,further comprising: increasing floc levels without the use of polymercoagulants; and increasing settleability rates in the basin without theuse of polymer coagulants.
 19. The process of claim 15, furthercomprising: flowing the wastewater from the basin into a sedimentationtank; precipitating a sludge from the wastewater in the sedimentationtank; and utilizing a portion of the sludge to resupply microorganismsto the basin.
 20. The process of claim 15, further comprising: flowingthe wastewater through at least one ultraviolet disinfection unit.